In my opinion, the biggest positive to draw from this year is dramatically increased financial flexibility. With 2013 now off the books, the only player who is truly handcuffing this team going forward is John Danks (although Jeff Keppinger's deal makes me cringe, too.) I don't see Alexei Ramirez's contract as being totally unmovable, and I think that somebody will give up something decent for him this offseason, freeing up even more money.

I think Alexei's first 2 months of the season determines his future w/ the Sox. I do worry that 2014 is the year we find out that the Danks contract is a real bad one.